MPG or MPEG file short for Motion Picture Experts Group is a common extension for videos. Almost all videos around the world use the MPG format which is also the reason for maximum media players
supporting this format. However, these files can get corrupted and the visuals or the audio of this file can be lost. It can occur due to multiple reasons which will be discussed in this blog along with the solutions to recover data from this file.
What are the common reasons for the MPG file getting corrupted?
When the file gets corrupted it will stop playing or show a message telling the user that the file is not playing. This is one of the signs that the user should check and try to recover data from the MPG file. Here are some of the common reasons for the files getting corrupt:
- Malware attack on the file
- A sudden disruption in media player
- Sudden shutdown of the system
- Change of file extension to other formats
- Copying the file incompletely with the missing sector of the file
Methods to recover the Corrupted MPG Video file
While the issue is annoying for the daily user, it is not a difficult problem to solve. There are multiple methods to solve this issue with ease. Most of these methods are manual and don’t need any technical pre-knowledge. Here are some of the methods to recover corrupted MPG video files:
Method 1: Changing the media player
The user can try to solve this issue by checking the output of the MPG file on any other media player. This will help in getting to narrow down the problem. If the video plays in another media player, your previous media player had an issue otherwise the MPG file needs to be repaired.
Method 2: VLC media player built-in repair tool
If the user is sure that the file is corrupted and needs repairing, there are two ways to repair it- using VLC built-in repair feature or using a third-party tool. This solution will discuss the steps to use the VLC media player’s built-in repair feature. Before using this solution please keep a backup of the file if it is important.
- Use the recently backed-up file and change the file extension to .avi.
- Launch the VLC media player on your system and click on Tools> Preferences.
- There will appear Input/ Codecs, choose the File option.
- Click on the Damaged or incomplete AVI file dropdown to choose the Always Fix option.
- Open your file on the media player using the .avi file.
VLC media player can also convert the file using its Convert/Save feature as shown in the following steps:
- In the VLC player, click on the Media menu.
- Click on the Convert/Save option.
- Choose your file by clicking on the Add button.
- Click on Convert/Save.
- In the dropdown menu, choose Video H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
- Click on the Browse button and enter a name for the file you converted.
- Click on the Start button to convert the file.
Method 3: Professional third-party tool
While manual methods are easy, there are some drawbacks to using them and they are not always successful. The user might not be technically sound to know what the problem is as it can be technical. Using third-party tools such as Video repair can save the user even in the technical faults of the file as well. The use of third-party tools ensures repairing damaged files with the least effort.
Summary
MPG file is a common format for videos and hence all media players are compatible with this format. But if the file is corrupted, it will not play. This issue can be solved using the above-mentioned solutions easily. We recommend our users use third-party tools in case the manual methods don’t work.
